Trenton, NJ – New Jersey LCV Education Fund proudly announces the selection of the inaugural cohort of fellows for its Boards and Commissions Fellowship, a leadership development program designed to prepare diverse environmental champions for service on public boards and commissions across New Jersey.

Launching in January 2026, the six-month competitive fellowship equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship needed to serve effectively in decision-making roles that shape environmental policy, public health, and climate resilience across the state. The program reflects New Jersey LCV Education Fund’s commitment to building a pathway for leaders whose lived experiences and perspectives reflect the communities most impacted by environmental decisions.

“Public boards and commissions play a critical role in shaping our environment and our future, yet too often they lack representation from the full diversity of New Jersey,” said Kate Wister, Boards and Commissions Program Manager. “This fellowship helps remove barriers to service and ensures that passionate, community-rooted leaders are prepared to step into these influential roles.”

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in monthly in-person sessions focused on New Jersey’s environmental landscape, the structure and responsibilities of boards and commissions, and effective leadership and governance. The fellowship also builds a body of experienced mentors serving in these or related positions, who will help support fellows in applying for board or commission service upon completion of the program.

Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey LCV Education Fund, added, “Environmental leadership, civic engagement, and equity go hand in hand. The inaugural Boards and Commissions Fellowship class features an incredibly impressive group of New Jerseyans with a wealth of experience and perspective. By preparing diverse leaders to take seats at the decision-making table, we are strengthening our democracy and building healthier, more resilient communities across New Jersey.”

2026 Boards and Commissions Fellowship Cohort:

● Hazel Applewhite, CEO, Ironbound Community Corporation

● Christopher Bauknight, Chair, WCYD and NJYD Black Caucus

● Andres Caceres, Small Business Owner

● Ashley Caleb, Campaign Finance Director, New Way Forward Strategies

● Dr. Richeleen Dashield, Director, New York University

● Jasmine Fleming, Student, The College of New Jersey; Founder, Enable Everything; Co-Chair, New Jersey Young Democrats Disabilities Caucus

● Tracy Gordon, Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator, Raritan Headwaters Association

● Olivia Haller, New Jersey Associate, Regional Plan Association

● Toni Hazel, New Jersey Coordinator of Housing Programs and Federal Compliance

● Lois Kraus, Vice Chair, Westfield Green Team; Co-Chair, Beyond Plastics NJ

● Loan Nguyen, Business Owner and Food Educator, Save the Last Bite LLC

● Sianna Peal, Director of Marketing & Business Development, PONYFLO

● Sabrina Ross, Executive Director, Keep America Beautiful–Newark Branch

● Keith Thomas, CEO, Rebuild New Jersey

● Victoria Woolfolk, Renewal Sales Operations Manager, Americas, Check Point Software Technologies

For more information about the Boards and Commissions Fellowship, visit www.njlcvef.org/boards.

About New Jersey LCV Education Fund

The New Jersey LCV Education Fund is dedicated to engaging people in the democratic process and building a more sustainable and equitable future for New Jersey. Through education, advocacy, and leadership development, the organization ensures environmental voices are heard at every level of government.